Deputy Sheriff Bernard F. Leonard, Chaves County Sheriff's Department, New Mexico

Deputy Sheriff Bernard F. Leonard

Chaves County Sheriff's Department, New Mexico

End of Watch Sunday, July 16, 1933

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Bernard F. Leonard

Deputy Bernard Leonard was shot and killed while he and a posse attempted to arrest a man wanted for kidnapping another officer and for robbery in Oklahoma and Colorado.

The posse surrounded a home the suspect was in and ordered everyone out. Several women and children came out, but the suspect refused. As Deputy Leonard rushed towards the door, the suspect opened fire with two .38 caliber revolvers, fatally wounding Deputy Leonard. The rest of the posse opened fire, shooting the suspect seven times. Both the suspect and Deputy Leonard succumbed to their wounds later that evening.

Deputy Leonard was a Spanish American War veteran. He had served in several law enforcement capacities in New Mexico for 24 years.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour 24 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Shot and killed

arrest attempt

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Most Recent Reflection

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Deputy Sheriff Leonard,
On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served during the Spanish-American War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 16, 2023